Manchester City and Real Madrid are both prepared for yet another epic encounter. Following on from last week’s enthralling 3-all draw at the Bernabeu, the scene is now set for another mouth watering clash at the Etihad Stadium tomorrow evening. The stakes couldn’t be higher as two of the best teams in Europe square off for a place in the semi-final of this season’s UEFA Champions League.
Manchester City
Speaking during his pre-game press conference ahead of tomorrow night’s match, Pep Guardiola told the media that his team would go for it tomorrow night. While the European champions respect Real Madrid, they will go after the La Liga leaders. Guardiola said: “We know we can handle momentum. We are going for it. We have a game plan we believe in, and we are going for it. If we lose, we lose. We shake hands – Real Madrid will deserve it. I want us to play and deserve to be in the semi-finals.”
Guardiola added that he wants his team to be themselves to overcome Carlo Ancelotti’s side. He added: “We need to be who we are. Always in the last years, we have been, and I have the feeling we are ready to perform well. If you don’t, you will not beat teams like Real Madrid. Real Madrid know us, we know them. Carlos made some surprises in the first game. We need the right mentality, be ready to suffer, always we had momentum. In that way , we can do it.”
The world champions will be boosted by the fact they have a full squad available for tomorrow night’s match. Every single member of the Manchester City squad trained ahead the game. With a full squad available, Pep Guardiola’s team will be eager to take the game to the 14-time European champions.
Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti told the media that previous results at the Etihad count for nothing tomorrow night. He said he wouldn’t be looking back at what had previously transpired at the home of the world champions. He said: “We don’t have to look at the results of the past. Anything can happen tomorrow.”
The Italian manager was confident that his team could end Manchester City’s 41-game unbeaten streak at the Etihad. He told the media: “I am very confident, I trust my players. We are in a very good moment.” Ancelotti also wanted his players to work for the team to get a result tomorrow. He added: “What I ask the players is to work for the team. This is what I ask them. We are the team that has conceded the least goals in La Liga, this means all the players are helping.”
Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham also said that while many people think Manchester City are favourites the Spanish giants are confident going into tomorrow night’s match. He told the assembled media: “City won the Treble, of course people think they’re the favourites but we are Real Madrid. We have good players, and we are confident.”
The scene is set for another massive night at the Etihad.
As Manchester City and Real Madrid finish their preparations ahead of tomorrow night’s match, the scene is set for another massive night at the Etihad Stadium. Backed by their passionate home support, Pep Guardiola’s side will fancy their chances of progressing to the semi-final stage of this season’s UEFA Champions League. Real Madrid, on the other hand, will be out for revenge for their semi-final exit at the hands of Manchester City last season.
The scene is set for another special night at the home of the world champions. If Pep Guardiola’s side can contain Real Madrid and impose themselves on the visitors, it may lay the platform for another famous night at the Etihad.
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